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The Florida Senate

CS/CS/SB 596 — Craft Distilleries

by Commerce and Tourism Committee; Regulated Industries Committee; and Senator Hays

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)

The bill revises the limitation on the number of containers of distilled spirits that distilleries may sell to consumers. Current law permits distilleries to sell two or fewer containers per calendar year. The bill increases the limitation to permit consumers to purchase from a distillery in a face-to-face transaction, per calendar year:

  • Two containers of each brand of distilled spirits;
  • Three containers of one brand and one container of a second brand; or
  • Four containers of a single brand.

The bill defines the term "branded product" to mean the distilled spirit product manufactured on site, which requires a federal certificate and label approval by the Federal Alcohol Administrative Act or regulations.

The bill provides that a craft distillery may only sell and deliver distilled spirits to consumers within the state in a face-to-face transaction at the distillery property.

The bill provides that a craft distillery may be affiliated with another distillery that produces 75,000 gallons or fewer on each of its premises in this state or in another state, territory, or country. The bill permits the Florida Department of Transportation to install a directional sign to a brewery at the request and expense of the distillery.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2015.

Vote: Senate 39-0; House 118-1